I walked from the VA medical center to get an up close view of the states capital courthouse. And…read morewasn't disappointed. It was a pleasant walk and the Memorials were beautiful. The building is pretty massive too.

Construction of the capital took 16 years, from 1899 to 1915. It was built on the site of the state…read morepenitentiary & prisoners helped construct the building. They lived in a dormitory that was on Capitol grounds. The exterior of the Capitol is made of Arkansas limestone. It cost $2.2 million (or $320 million in 2014 dollars). The front entrance Tiffany doors are made of bronze, which are 10 ft tall OK this gotta be an elevator here 10,000. The cupola or dome is covered in 24 karat gold leaf. The government was formerly located in the Old State House.

Both my husband and I were born and raised in Arkansas, but neither of us had ever toured the state…read morecapitol building -- until we found ourselves with some time to kill while back in the state visiting relatives. The building is beautiful and elegant and on the day we visited, it was very quiet. We only saw a few other visitors. We did a self-guided tour while awaiting a guided one. Our guide, Nancy Martinsen, led us around the elaborate structure while telling us all about how it came to be built where it was and by who. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit inside and then went outside to look at the Little Rock Nine monument located on the capitol grounds. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and welcoming.

They've stopped hosting the Quartz, Quilts, and Crafts event, and local crystal shops and vendors…read morehave had to continue this decades-long tradition. There is terrible communication with new members. The board is impossible to get in touch with. Their facebook page is never updated. Their visitor's center is run by volunteers who will tell you the wrong date for banquets and other events (if you are luck enough to catch them open). Expect a less than warm welcome if you are LGBTQIA+, Pagan, or look too "hippy, rainbow, or new age." Some of the volunteers are okay, but many on the board seem to only want "commerce" from certain types of people. After speaking with the owners of seven local crystal shops and mines, it appears that I am not the only one feeling the cold shoulder. I've always supported the local chamber of commerce whenever I travel and wherever I live, but this will be the exception. I won't be renewing my membership or sending visitors their way.

Dear Chamber, I just spent a week in your wonderful city…read more I was looking for a place to renew and reinvent. I am a chef in Fort Worth, Texas and I came to you for some much needed R and R. Your citizens are all so friendly and the accommodations at Roseanne's Cabin were just perfect. I couldn't have chosen a better place to stay I just posted on Facebook about Mt. Ida and my fabulous experience. I commend your grocery store and Stan in produce. I came In contact with the lovely lady in the floral shop, and the nice young man in the garden center on 270, and the wonderful museum with such friendly employees and wonderful antique artifacts. Every one I came in contact with was nothing but friendly and helpful. I will recommend your clean and courteous city. I was especially touched on Saturday night by the concert at the Courthouse. God was mentioned before the performance. How beautiful. .. How precious...... How truly American. You moved me Mt. Ida with your simple grace and good old fashioned values. Thanks for the memories..... Janet Z. Capua Z's Cafe and Catering Fort Worth, Texas I will be suggesting Mt. Ida and Roseanne's Cabin to anyone seeking great fresh air and water, beautiful scenery, kind folks, great music and a wonderful time.